Day 3 of the Ride

Day 1: July 4, 2010. 462 miles today. Perkins Campground; Marquette, MI
We got off to an early start and nearly on time; we rolled out of the driveway at about 0610 and headed north up to I-75 which we would take all the way to the U.P. We even had an escort in red Porsche convertible as my neighbor, good friend and fellow Viet Nam Veteran Capt. Tom Jamrosy accompanied us for about 50 miles (kind of like a fighter escort). From there it was an uneventful journey to the north country as the bike performed "brilliantly". It is very easy to ride and it handles the wind without any signs of a struggle.
The trip over the Mackinac Bridge was uneventful as the outside lanes are paved and only the inside lanes are steel grate. I did learn something about myself that was previously unknown; I don't like bridges; not on a motorcycle at any rate. But, I survived and I suspect that there will be many more to cross before this is all over.
The ride from Mackinac to Marquette and our campsite in Big Bay offered a new set of challenges to us "novice" cross country travelers. WIND; it was really blowing and swirling off of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Being in the middle of these two very large lakes put us right in the cross hairs of a southwest and a northwest wind. But, we figured that out, too, and made it up to Marquette with no problems. While traversing Marquette we were able to visit the Darter/Dace Maritime museum and read some of our history and heritage. As submarine veterans this bit of history is very meaningful.
Then it was a 25 mile speed run to Big Bay and our campsite. The camp was right on the water, the weather was an adventure and we were "treated" to a fireworks display by our camping neighbors. We were also treated to a genuine July 4th traditional meal of hot dogs and baked beans cooked over a wood fire. We enjoyed our hot dogs and beans in the rain and spent much of the night just shooting the breeze over cold beers.

Day 2: July 5, 2010. 480 miles today: Fosston, Minnesota
The rain stopped but it was cloudy and overcast. Jim and I started out with light jackets and jeans but quickly learned that the day called for full leathers which we changed into when we stopped for breakfast. That made the ride much more comfortable and enjoyable. We also learned that riding the country on a motorcycle opens up all the senses of sight, hearing and smell. The road smells different than what you would experience in an automobile; it also alive with sounds of birds, running water and the wind rustling the trees. Amazingly enough this can all be heard to the accompaniment of the exhaust pipes on the bikes. While heading to Minnesota we saw a beautiful waterfall and a jogger who had to put her breast back in her halter top as we rode by. Ralph and Blue in the truck missed this little mishap because they were too busy listening to music and eating cookies. Their senses were not tuned to their surroundings. Jim and I, however, were gentlemen and did not let on that we saw what happened; by the way they were quite attractive.
The rest of the ride to Fosston (about 50 miles west of Bimidji, MN) was generally uneventful. The weather finally got hot in the afternoon and we were finally able to shed out leathers for more comfortable denim. Tonight we are the only campers in a campsite right in town. It's quite pleasant and Blue gave us some instruction on how to throw a boomerang. None of us figured it out; it's still a stick. The rain has moved east and we have a red sky; surely a good sign for tomorrows ride.

Day 3: July 6, 2010 - Heading for Montana
Still no internet access but maybe later today. Left Fosston, MN at 0600 and got about 50 miles and stopped for breakfast. Weather is clear and cold (temps in the lower 50's) Wearing full leathers this morning but will shed them when it warms up. Should be a good day on the road.

We are in Minot, ND after spending Sunday night in Big Bay, MI. We rode 462 miles the first day and camped on the shores of Lake Superior. Then it was off to Minnesota and we rode 480 miles to Fosston, MN where we camped in a city park. We will ride about 500 miles today and find a place in Montana to either camp or find a motel.
More later.
Blue got bit by a bear; film at 6:00; live at 11:00
Before we got to Wolf Point we stopped at Rugby, North Dakota and had a photo shoot of us at "The Geographic Center of North America". Met some nice people there and we all stood around taking each others pictures. Met a lot of nice people on this trip so far. Looking forward to linking up with the SSMC guys on Friday in Idaho.

We are now in Wolf Point, Montana at a camp site for our third night of camping. The temps are quite cool and it will be the cold weather bag tonight; might even need the waterproof cover.
Speaking of waterproof; we hit quite a large rainstorm once we crossed into Montana and the foul weather performed as required. Riding in the rain was an interesting experience but we made it through and it is now quite sunny but very cold.